Douglas Fairbanks

Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1883, Douglas Fairbanks began as a stage actor before becoming one of the biggest stars of the silent era. His cheerful screen presence and remarkable physicality made him a natural action hero, and audiences loved the mix of humor, confidence, and daring he brought to his roles.

He is especially remembered for adventure films such as The Mark of Zorro, Robin Hood, and The Thief of Bagdad. At a time when movies were still finding their language, he helped define the image of the romantic, acrobatic leading man and became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable personalities.

Fairbanks was also important behind the scenes. Along with Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and D.W. Griffith, he helped found United Artists, giving major filmmakers more control over their work. He died in 1939, but his influence on screen adventure and movie stardom has lasted well beyond the silent-film age.